Rory McIlroy made a stellar start to his year at the Dubai Invitational on Thursday, posting an impressive nine-under-par 62 to claim a two-stroke lead after the first round.
The world number two's last competitive event was the DP World Tour Championship in November, also held in Dubai, where he has clinched five European Tour titles.
Earlier this week, McIlroy grabbed headlines by expressing his desire for a "world tour" in golf amid discussions to resolve the sport's split caused by the breakaway circuit, LIV Golf. On the same day European Tour's CEO Keith Pelley announced his resignation, McIlroy, the tour's biggest star, showcased his brilliance by carding nine birdies in a flawless round, securing a two-shot lead over Germany's Yannik Paul.
Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy remarked, "It was nice to get a card in the hand again and sort of feel the competitive juices flowing. I surprised myself a little bit, but hopefully more of the same over the next few days."
McIlroy's focus for 2024 is not only to end his 10-year quest for a fifth major title but also to pursue a sixth Race to Dubai crown, aiming to match Colin Montgomerie's record of eight.
"This is a nice week to do some extra practice and put some work in so that I feel a bit more ready, not just for next week (Dubai Desert Classic)... But also going into the bulk of the season," he added.
Starting on the 10th hole, McIlroy rolled in birdies on the 17th and 18th to make the turn at four-under. Adding five more birdies on the front nine, he secured the early lead, closing the day with another birdie on the ninth.
Yannik Paul, narrowly missing the European Ryder Cup team last year, made an impressive eight birdies, finishing the day in second place with a 64. South African Thriston Lawrence sits third at six under, followed by Tommy Fleetwood and Thorbjorn Olesen a shot further back.
